US awards grants to displaced Marawi victims

ABS-CBN News

MARAWI CITY—The US government has awarded micro-grants to communities and business owners displaced by the 2017 Marawi siege.

“The US government, in partnership with the Philippine government, is a committed friend, partner and ally supporting your journey to recovery," US Agency for International Development (USAID) Acting Mission Director Patrick Wesner said in a statement.

Some 75 grantees were given financial assistance worth P260,000 to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

They will also undergo training as part of USAID's 3-year project that supports the recovery of displaced residents in Marawi, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Iligan.

"Malaking tulong ang dressmaking package na aming matatanggap sa aming pangkabuhayan," said Niki Macaraob, a member of the Kangiginawae Ko Masa organization who received a community grant.

Another recipient was elated they would receive training to make their businesses become sustainable.

The Marawi Response Project was launched in 2018 in partnership with Plan International, with support from local organizations Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits, Inc. and Maranao People Development Center, Inc. It is part of the US government’s P3.2 billion-commitment to humanitarian and recovery work in Marawi.